LANSING (Jun. 8, 2022) — The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA), which has served as a unifying champion of an industry that is in constant evolution and growth for 120 years, announced an internal re-organization that will position MMA for continued growth and expanded value for Michigan’s manufacturing industry.

Larry Janicki, President of the MMA Service Corporation, has announced his retirement, effective Jun. 30, 2022. For 26 years, Janicki has been a solid member of the MMA staff, bringing knowledge, stability and a great sense of humor to the daily lives of MMA's team. Janicki will continue to stay on through the rest of the year in a consulting capacity to ensure a smooth transition for members, valued partners and staff.

“We are grateful for Larry’s service, which has brought MMA members an industry-leading platform of cost-effective insurance programs and discounted services to support their operations,” said John J. Walsh, President & CEO of MMA. “We wish him all the best as he looks forward to spending more time with his family on the shores of Lake Michigan.”

The organization has primarily looked to the existing team to fill Larry’s considerable role and announced a number of promotions.

Effective Jul. 1, 2022, Delaney McKinley will be named Executive Vice President of Operations, taking on the responsibility of leading MMA’s Insurance Department as well as the Membership, Marketing and Events team. This new position continues her growth trajectory over the last decade in multiple departments across the organization. Delaney first joined MMA in 2011 as part of our Government Affairs team, later taking on responsibility for membership and, in 2020 becoming, an officer of the Association and aligning our marketing, communications, membership and events teams under a unified and efficient umbrella.

Mike Johnston, the leader of MMA’s powerful and effective Government Affairs team, will be named Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Workforce Development. With more than 20 years at our organization and being twice recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business for his lobbying prowess, this new position recognizes Mike’s long-term leadership in manufacturing advocacy and his role in delivering solutions to the industry’s persistent talent challenge.

To complete the transition and support MMA’s mission to secure a prosperous future for Michigan manufacturers through effective advocacy, meaningful education and strategic business services, additional team members will be promoted:

• MMA’s longest serving employee, Brenda Nalett, will be promoted to Director of Member Services. She will be expanding her leadership over the exclusive insurance, services and benefits MMA offers to members.
• Ashley Wakefield, who joined MMA’s Government Affairs team last year, is being named Director of Membership, Marketing and Events to continue and expand the organization’s efforts to engage members on all levels.
• Dane Cooke, who has served members across several departments over 15 years, is being promoted to Information Technology and Facilities Manager.

The MMA will be adding additional staff members in the coming weeks in membership and insurance departments.

“Change is perhaps the only constant in life. And, while it isn’t always easy, it often provides opportunities,” continued Walsh. “This reorganization continues our proven record of providing outstanding service and support to meet the needs of a growing and thriving manufacturing community.”

For more information or to schedule a call with MMA President & CEO John Walsh, contact MMA’s Delaney McKinley at 517-487-8530 or mckinley@mimfg.org.

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Contact Delaney McKinley

Vice President of Membership, Marketing & Events
Call 517-487-8530
E-mail mckinley@mimfg.org